Magnetic charger connector for wheelchair

ABSTRACT

An apparatus including a first electrical connector; and a second electrical connector. The first and second electrical connectors have magnets to provide a magnetic holding force with each other and provide alignment of the electrical connectors to hold the second electrical connector against the first electrical connector at a predetermined position. Magnetic poles of the magnets are configured to limit orientation of the second electrical connector on the first electrical connector. The second electrical connector includes two power contacts and an interruption detector contact, where the power contacts are movably mounted on the second housing and configured to disconnect from electrical contacts of the first electrical connector, when the second electrical connector is being disconnected from the first electrical connector, only after the interruption detector contact of the second plurality of electrical contacts disconnects from an electrical contact of the first electrical connector.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S.application Ser. No. 15/409,737 filed Jan. 19, 2017 which is herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND Field of the Invention

The example and non-limiting embodiments relate generally to a personalmobility vehicle and, more particularly, to an electrical chargingsystem for a personal mobility vehicle, such as a wheelchair forexample.

Brief Description of Prior Developments

Self-powered personal mobility vehicles, such as wheelchairs having aself-contained power source to provide drive power to wheels andsteering actuators, may include various systems to control the variouspower and motive subsystems of the vehicle, as well as to implement auser interface function enabling an occupant of the vehicle to controlthe overall operation of the vehicle, such as to start, stop and steerthe vehicle.

SUMMARY

In accordance with one aspect an apparatus is provided comprising: afirst electrical connector comprising a first housing, a first pluralityof electrical contacts, and a first plurality of magnets; and a secondelectrical connector comprising a second housing, a second plurality ofelectrical contacts, and a second plurality of magnets, where the secondplurality of electrical contacts comprise two power contacts and aninterruption detector contact, where the power contacts are movablymounted on the second housing, where the first plurality of magnets isarranged on the first housing and the second plurality of magnets isarranged on the second housing to allow the second electrical connectorto be mounted on the first electrical connector with the first pluralityof magnets and the second plurality of magnets providing a magneticholding force with each other and providing alignment of the secondelectrical connector with the first electrical connector to hold thesecond electrical connector against the first electrical connector at apredetermined position, where the first electrical connector has a firstone of the first plurality of magnets with magnetic poles orientatedopposite from magnetic poles of a second one of the first plurality ofmagnets, and where the two power contacts of the second electricalconnector are configured to disconnect from the first plurality ofelectrical contacts, when the second electrical connector is beingdisconnected from the first electrical connector, only after theinterruption detector contact of the second plurality of electricalcontacts disconnects from the first plurality of electrical contacts.

In accordance with another aspect a personal mobility vehicle isprovided comprising: a frame; wheels connected to the frame; a motor onthe frame and connected to the wheels; a battery configured to supplyelectricity to the motor; a user control on the frame, where the usercontrol is configured to be used by a hand of a user while the user ison the personal mobility vehicle, and where the user control isconfigured to control movement of the wheels based upon electricity fromthe battery; and a charger port on a side of the user control, where thecharger port comprises: a first housing; a first plurality of electricalcontacts; and a first plurality of magnets, where a first one of thefirst plurality of magnets comprises magnetic poles orientated oppositefrom magnetic poles of a second one of the first plurality of magnets,and where the first plurality of magnets are configured to allow acharger connector to be mounted on the charger port with the firstplurality of magnets and a second plurality of magnets on the chargerconnector providing a magnetic holding force with each other andproviding alignment of the charger connector with the charger port tohold the charger connector against the first electrical connector at apredetermined position.

In accordance with another aspect a charger connector is providedcomprising: a housing; a plurality of electrical contacts on thehousing; and a plurality of magnets on the housing, where the pluralityof electrical contacts comprise two power contacts and an interruptiondetector contact, where the power contacts are movably mounted on thesecond housing, where the two power contacts are configured todisconnect from power electrical contacts of a charger port, when thecharger connector is being disconnected from the charger port, onlyafter the interruption detector contact disconnects from an electricalcontact of the charger port, where the plurality of magnets comprise afirst one of the plurality of magnets having magnetic poles orientatedopposite from magnetic poles of a second one of the plurality ofmagnets, and where the plurality of magnets are configured to allow thecharger connector to be mounted on the charger port with the pluralityof magnets and a plurality of magnets on the charger port providing amagnetic holding force with each other and providing alignment of thecharger connector with the charger port to hold the charger connectoragainst the first electrical connector at a predetermined position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing aspects and other features of the invention are explainedin the following description, taken in connection with the accompanyingdrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a personal mobility vehicleincorporating features of an example embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of a portion of a controller usedin the personal mobility vehicle shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a personal mobility vehicle hand controlused in the personal mobility vehicle shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a top view of the personal mobility vehicle hand control shownin FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a charger connector about to beconnected to a charger port on the hand control;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating components of the personal mobilityvehicle;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 5 showing the chargerconnector after being connected to a charger port on the hand control;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the charger port shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating the internal components of the chargerport shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating some of the components of thecontroller shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the charger connector shown in FIGS. 5and 7;

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the internal components of the chargerconnector shown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating some of the internal components of thecharger connector shown in FIG. 12; and

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of one of the components shown in FIG. 13.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of a personalmobility vehicle 10 incorporating features of an example embodiment.Although the invention will be described with reference to the exemplaryembodiments shown in the drawings, it should be understood that theinvention can be embodied in many alternate forms of embodiments. Inaddition, any suitable size, shape or type of elements or materialscould be used.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 the personal mobility vehicle isembodied as a wheelchair system 10, although this is not a limitationupon the use and practice of the exemplary embodiments of thisinvention. As employed herein a wheelchair system is considered as avehicle that may be capable of controlled, self-powered (e.g., batterypowered) movement for a sitting person.

The wheelchair system 10 includes a seat portion 12, a power source 14,such as a battery and related power conversion, conditioning andrecharging circuitry, and at least two wheels 16 that are driven by thepower source 14 via at least one motor 14A. One or more other wheels 18provide stability and enable steering of the wheelchair system 10. Inthis regard there is a user-actuated hand control system (or userinterface) 20. An attendant control system 22 may also be provided. Thecontrol system 20 operates with a control system of controller (orcontrol unit) 24 to provide functions that include, but need not belimited to, starting and stopping motive power to the drive wheels 16,controlling the direction of rotation and speed of rotation of the drivewheels 16, and controlling a pointing direction of the wheels 18 toprovide steering of the wheelchair 10.

FIG. 2 shows a simplified block diagram of a portion of the controller24. The controller 24 can be assumed to include a software system 28that includes at least one data processor 28A, such as a microprocessoror microcontroller, and a memory 28B that stores programs to controloperation of the data processor 28A and, thereby, to control the overalloperation of the wheelchair 10. The operating programs, also referred toas system control software (SW) 29A, may include firmware, such ascomputer programs that are permanently stored in, by example,non-volatile flash memory, or system control SW 29A may be stored involatile random access memory (RAM) 29B that is loaded from an SD cardor flash type of memory storage medium. The exemplary embodiments ofthis invention are also usable with a system where a system control SW29A is stored in a mass memory device, such as SD card(s) and/or flashmemory(ies), and loaded into RAM as needed.

The data processor 28A is coupled via general use input/output hardware26 to various input/outputs, including general input/outputs, such asinput/outputs 24A going to and from the user-actuated hand controlsystem 20 and inputs/outputs 24B providing control to the motor(s) 14. Aclock function or module 28C can be included for maintaining an accuratetime of day and calendar function.

According to some embodiments of the invention, the controller 24 canfurther be connected to a wireless interface (WI) 30, such as aBluetooth™ interface, for example. However, any suitable type ofwireless interface or connection may be provided.

Referring now also to FIG. 3, the user-actuated hand control system (oruser interface) 20 includes a housing 32, a joystick type controller 34,a first keypad 36, a second keypad 38, a charger port 39, and a display40, such as an LCD, LED or other suitable type of display system. Thefirst keypad 36 is located in front of the joystick 34 (and between thejoystick 34 and the display 40). The second keypad 38 is located behind(or on the rear side of) the joystick 34. Each of the keys on the keypad36, 38 may comprise any suitable type of key such as press keys, togglekeys, touch, virtual/soft keys, etc. Additionally, it should be notedthat although the figures illustrate the first keypad as having sixpress keys and the second keypad as having four toggle keys, one skilledin the art will appreciate that the various embodiments of the inventionare not necessarily so limited and that any suitable number, type, orcombination of keys may be provided. The charger port 39 is configuredto have a battery charger connected thereto to allow recharging of thebattery 14.

The user-actuated hand control system 20 generally allows the user tocontrol the various functions of the wheelchair. For example, theuser-actuated hand control system 20 operates with the control system ofthe controller 24 or a seat or auxiliary module (or auxiliary seatingmodule) 25 to provide functions that include, but need not be limitedto, starting and stopping motive power to the drive wheels 16,controlling the direction of rotation and speed of rotation of the drivewheels 16, controlling a pointing direction of the wheels 18 to providesteering of the wheelchair 10, controlling a seat function, andcontrolling auxiliary functions. According to various exemplaryembodiments of the invention, the user-actuated hand control system 20may be directly connected to the controller 24 (such as by a cable, forexample).

The user-actuated hand control system 20 provides improvements oversingle keypad conventional configurations by allowing for operation ofthe personal mobility vehicle 10 with user input from a keypad in frontof the joystick, and/or for operation of the personal mobility vehicle10 with user input from a keypad behind the joystick.

Various exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a solution whichallows the handcontrol to be fully adjustable with regard to usability,based on the current need of a user. For example, for a user that iscomfortable with the keypad in front of the joystick, the keys on therear side of the joystick can be freely configured for every possiblefunction the wheelchair offers and suits the user. Typically, these keyswould be configured for easy/fast access of functions (e.g. seatfunctions). For a user who has difficulty operating the keys in front ofthe joystick, the keys on the rear side of the joystick can be freelyconfigured to access all available functions, to the extent of obviatingthe need for the front keypad. Additionally, since the keys from thekeypad on the rear side are freely configurable, the actual functionsthey contain will be displayed on an area of the display. Furthermore,for the keys on the rear side, there may be more than one set offunctions for the keys. If there is more than one set of functions, theset of functions can be chosen by operating one of the keys as a‘master’ (e.g. the leftmost or the rightmost keys). The keys in front ofthe joystick also are freely configurable as well. This provides for thecapability that the functionality of each key on each keypad 36, 38 canbe configured.

Referring now also to FIG. 4, there is shown an exemplary configurationof the keys of the keypads 36, 38, wherein the current functions of thekeys on the second keypad 38 are displayed in an area of the display 40.For example, key 42 of the second keypad 38 corresponds to a first area50 of the display 40 and shows that there is more than just one set offunctions. The active set of functions can be chosen by operating thiskey 42. Key 44 of the second keypad 38 corresponds to a second area 52of the display 40 and based on the currently chosen function set, key 44shows a function for “leg adjustment”. Key 46 of the second keypad 38corresponds to a third area 54 of the display 40 and based on thecurrently chosen function set, key 46 shows a function for “seatelevate”. Key 48 of the second keypad 38 corresponds to a fourth area 56of the display 40 and based on the currently chosen function set, key 48shows a function for “backrest adjustment”. In some other alternativeembodiments, there may be just one set of functions for the keys. Inthis case, key 42 would have a certain, singular function, however anysuitable configuration may be provided.

Technical effects of any one or more of the exemplary embodimentsprovide a dual configurable keypad configuration providing for thefunctionality of each key on each keypad 36, 38 to be configurable bythe user. This provides for greater usability (based on the currentneeds of the user) when compared to conventional configurations. Many ofthe conventional power wheel chair handcontrols are typically comprisedof a joystick, a display, and a single keypad (on only a single side ofthe display).

Some users of personal mobility vehicles prefer having the keypad infront of the joystick. Typically, these keys are used for functions thatare enabled while the wheel chair is in drive mode. There are otherusers who have great difficulty operating keys located in front of thejoystick due to the level of their disability. For these users,operating keys on the rear side of the joystick is preferred andadvantageous. It is also possible that a user may be initiallycomfortable using the keys in the front of the joystick but as thedisability progresses the keys in the back of the joystick arepreferred. Thus technical effects of any one or more of the exemplaryembodiments provide users (with varying degrees of disability) of thepersonal mobility vehicle with wheelchair input devices, such as thehandcontrol 20, that are configurable to match their needs.

It should be understood that components of the invention can beoperationally coupled or connected and that any number or combination ofintervening elements can exist (including no intervening elements). Theconnections can be direct or indirect and additionally there can merelybe a functional relationship between components.

Below are provided further descriptions of various non-limiting,exemplary embodiments. The below-described exemplary embodiments may bepracticed in conjunction with one or more other aspects or exemplaryembodiments. That is, the exemplary embodiments of the invention, suchas those described immediately below, may be implemented, practiced orutilized in any combination (e.g., any combination that is suitable,practicable and/or feasible) and are not limited only to thosecombinations described herein and/or included in the appended claims.

In one exemplary embodiment, a personal mobility vehicle hand control isdisclosed. The personal mobility vehicle hand control comprises: ahousing; a display proximate an end of the housing; a first keypadproximate the display; a second keypad proximate an opposite end of thehousing; and a joystick between the first keypad and the second keypad;wherein at least one key of the first keypad is configurable tocorrespond with a function displayed on the display, and wherein atleast one key of the second keypad is configurable to correspond withthe same function displayed on the display

A personal mobility vehicle hand control as above, wherein the functioncorresponds to a driving feature, a seat function feature, and/or anauxiliary function feature of the personal mobility vehicle.

A personal mobility vehicle hand control as above, wherein the firstkeypad comprises press keys, toggle keys, touch, and/or virtual/softkeys.

A personal mobility vehicle hand control as above, wherein the secondkeypad comprises press keys, toggle keys, touch, and/or virtual/softkeys.

A personal mobility vehicle hand control as above, wherein the firstkeypad is between the display and the joystick.

A personal mobility vehicle hand control as above, wherein the secondkeypad is configured to be closer to a user than the joystick, andwherein the first keypad is configured to be farther away from the userthan the joystick.

A personal mobility vehicle hand control as above, wherein the personalmobility vehicle controller is configured to be connected to acontroller having a data processor.

A personal mobility vehicle comprising: a controller having a dataprocessor; and a personal mobility vehicle hand control as above,wherein the personal mobility vehicle hand control is connected to thecontroller.

In another exemplary embodiment, a personal mobility vehicle isdisclosed. The personal mobility vehicle comprises: a control unithaving at least one data processor; and a personal mobility vehicle handcontrol connected to the control unit, wherein the personal mobilityvehicle hand control comprises a housing, a display proximate an end ofthe housing, a first keypad proximate the display, a second keypadproximate an opposite end of the housing, and a joystick between thefirst keypad and the second keypad, wherein at least one key of thefirst keypad is configurable to correspond with a function displayed onthe display, and wherein at least one key of the second keypad isconfigurable to correspond with the same function displayed on thedisplay.

A personal mobility vehicle as above, wherein the personal mobilityvehicle comprises a wheelchair.

A personal mobility vehicle as above, wherein the function correspondsto a leg adjustment feature, a seat elevation adjustment feature, or abackrest adjustment feature for a seat portion of the personal mobilityvehicle.

A personal mobility vehicle as above, wherein the first keypad comprisespress keys, toggle keys, touch, and/or virtual/soft keys.

A personal mobility vehicle as above, wherein the second keypadcomprises press keys, toggle keys, touch, and/or virtual/soft keys.

A personal mobility vehicle as above, wherein the first keypad isbetween the display and the joystick.

A personal mobility vehicle as above, wherein the second keypad isconfigured to be closer to a user of the personal mobility vehicle thanthe joystick, and wherein the first keypad is configured to be fartheraway from the user of the personal mobility vehicle than the joystick.

A personal mobility vehicle as above, wherein the hand control isattached to an armrest of the personal mobility vehicle.

In another exemplary embodiment, a method is disclosed. The methodcomprises: providing a personal mobility vehicle hand control comprisinga housing; providing a display proximate an end of the housing;providing a first keypad proximate the display; providing a secondkeypad proximate an opposite end of the housing; and providing ajoystick between the first keypad and the second keypad; wherein atleast one key of the first keypad is configurable to correspond with afunction displayed on the display, and wherein at least one key of thesecond keypad is configurable to correspond with the same functiondisplayed on the display.

A method as above, wherein the function corresponds to a drivingfeature, a seat function feature, and/or an auxiliary function featureof the personal mobility vehicle.

A method as above, wherein the first keypad and the second keypad eachcomprise press keys, toggle keys, touch, and/or virtual/soft keys.

A method as above, wherein the first keypad is between the display andthe joystick.

Referring also to FIG. 5, an alternate embodiment of a user interface120 is shown. Similar to the user interface 20 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3,the user interface 120 generally comprises a housing 132, a joysticktype controller 34, a first keypad 36, a display 40, and a charger port139. FIG. 5 shows one example of the charger port 139 and an example ofthe charger 140. The charger 140 has a first end with a plug 142configured to be plugged into an electrical outlet, and a second endwith a charger connector 144. The charger connector 144 is configured tobe removably connected to the charger port 139 for recharging thebattery 14. As seen with reference to FIG. 6, the vehicle may have acontroller 146 to control supply of electricity from the charger port139 to the battery 14. The controller 146 may comprise the processor28A, the memory 28B and the software stored on the memory 28 b. Thecontroller in this example also comprises circuitry in the user input120 including a printed circuit board in the user input 120.

Users with varying degrees of disability require their wheelchaircharger connection to be well accessible and easy to handle. In thisexample embodiment the charger port is mounted into a sidewall of theinput device 120 (handcontrol) and is a magnetic charger port configuredto hold the charger connector magnetically thereagainst. In an alternateexample, the magnetic charger port may be located at any suitablelocation on the wheelchair such as placed on any side of the wheelchairand is not limited to location on the side of the user input 120. Withthe provision of a magnetic charger port and a magnetic chargerconnector, the magnetic charger connector may be magnetically aligned,attracted and held in position with the magnetic charger port. Asfurther described below, spring actuated contacts may be provided as areliable electrical connection. Also as further described below, theexample mechanical design helps to insure that an interruption detector(e.g. the inhibit contact) releases always first, while unplugging thecharger connector. This signal may control an electronic protectioncircuit, which is used to interrupt the charging current in order toavoid electrical arcing upon disconnection of the charging connectorfrom the charging port. Additionally, the protection circuit may preventleakage currents between the contact pins when the connector is notmated. An over-temperature switch-off may also be provided to preventdamage in case of foreseeable contamination or handling issues.

As seen in comparing FIG. 5 to FIG. 7, in this example embodiment, withthe provision of the magnetic charger port (MCP) 139 and the magneticcharger connector (MCC) 144, as the user starts to connect the connector144 to the port 139, the approach only needs to be approximate becauseof magnets in the two devices. The connector 144 gets magneticallyattracted to the port 139 and, therefore, is positioned automatically tothe port at a predetermined position on the port 139. This magneticattraction, alignment and holding makes connection of the connector 144to the port much easier to accomplish than a conventional connector, andis particularly well suited for a user having physical disabilities.Disconnection of the connector 144 from the port 139 merely requiresovercoming the magnetic attraction of the magnets in the connector 144to the port 139 without having to overcome frictional retention forcesbetween the connector 144 and the port 139.

Referring also to FIGS. 8-9, the magnetic charger port (MCP) 139 isshown. The charger port 139 generally comprises a housing 150, a firstplurality of electrical contacts 152, a first plurality of permanentmagnets 154, and a printed circuit board 156. The charger port 139 hasthree of the electrical contacts 152 in this example; two power contacts152 a (a “+” and a “−”) and an interruption detector contact 152 b. Thecontacts 152 have slightly concave front surfaces, and the front of thehousing 150 is substantially flat at a connector mating face 158. Theconnector mating face 158 has three holes with slight tapered entrances160, and the front surfaces of the contacts 152 are slightly recessedinside the entrances. At least one of the contacts 152 is electricallyconnected to the printed circuit board 156. As shown with reference toFIG. 10, the controller 146 may comprise an electronic protectioncircuit 162 and an over-temperature cutoff 164. One or both of these maybe provided on the printed circuit board 156.

In this example embodiment, the charger port 139 has five of thepermanent magnets 154. However, in alternate embodiments more or lessthan five permanent magnets could be provided. First ones 154 a, 154 b,154 c of the magnets 154 have their magnetic poles orientated in a firstdirection and second ones 154 d, 154 e of the magnets 154 have theirmagnetic poles orientated in a second reverse direction. This provides apolarization scheme to limit connection of the connector 144 to the port139 to only one orientation/position. In this example embodiment, one ofthe magnets 154 b is located between the two power contacts 152 a, andthe interruption detector contact 152 b is located between the secondmagnets 154 d, 154 e. This provides a compact spacing design.

Referring also to FIGS. 11-12, the example embodiment of the chargingconnector 144 is shown. The charging connector 144 generally comprises asecond housing 170, a second plurality of electrical contacts 172, and asecond plurality of magnets 174. The second plurality of electricalcontacts 172 comprises two power contacts 172 a (a “+” and a “−”) and aninterruption detector contact 172 b. The power contacts 172 a aremovably mounted on the second housing 170. FIGS. 11-12 show the powercontacts 172 a in their forward extended positions. However the powercontacts 172 a are mounted to the housing 170 in order to be pushedrearward in a direction into the housing 170. The interruption detectorcontact 172 b is stationarily attached to the housing 170 in thisexample. However, in an alternate example the interruption detectorcontact 172 b may also be movably mounted to the housing 170. The frontfaces 173 of the contacts 172 may be slightly convex to mate with theslightly concave shape of the front faces 151 of the contacts 152. In analternate example, the front faces 151, 173 could merely be flat or haveother shapes.

The housing 170 forms a handle for a user to locate the connector 144towards the port 139 in order for the magnetic attraction forces in theport 139 and connector 144 to interact and pull the connector 144against the port 139. The housing 170 has a mating connector flat frontface 176 which is configured to abut against the flat face 158 of theport's housing 150. In this example the housing 170 has projections 178at opposite sides of the face 176 which are configured to project intothe side slots 153 of the housing 150. These projections 178 and slots153 merely help to prevent accidental rotation of the connector 144 onthe port 139 after connection. In an alternate example, if the magneticforces are very strong, these projections 178 and slots 153 may be sizedand shaped to be able to function as cams or ramps; to help move theconnector 144 away from port 139 during disconnection by rotating theconnector 144 about the port 139.

In the example embodiment shown, similar to the charger port 139, thecharging connector 144 has five of the permanent magnets 172. However,more or less than five permanent magnets could be provided. First ones174 a, 174 b, 174 c of the magnets 174 have their magnetic polesorientated in a first direction and second ones 174 d, 174 e of themagnets 174 have their magnetic poles orientated in a second reversedirection. This provides a polarization scheme to limit connection ofthe connector 144 to the port 139 to only one orientation/position. Inthis example embodiment, one of the magnets 174 b is located between thetwo power contacts 172 a, and the interruption detector contact 172 b islocated between the second magnets 174 d, 174 e. This provides a compactspacing design. The first magnets 174 a-c have their polarity areorientated to attract with first magnets 154 a-c, and the second magnets174 d-e have their polarity orientated to attract with second magnets154 d-e. This is illustrated by the North pole (N) and South pole (S)markings shown in the drawings.

Referring also to FIGS. 13-14, in this example embodiment the two powercontacts 172 a are attached to a frame piece 180. The frame piece 180 islocated inside the housing 170 and is movable on the housing 170, asindicated by arrow A, between a forward position and a rearwardposition. In an alternate example embodiment the frame piece 180 mightnot be provide; such as where the two power contacts 172 a areconfigured to move separately relative to one another.

The connector 144 comprises two electrical conductors 182 which connectelectrical wires (not shown) of the charger 140 to the power contacts172 a. FIG. 13 shows areas 184 for soldering the wires to the electricalconductors 182. Areas 184 are at a first end of the electricalconductors 182 and areas 186 are at a second end of the electricalconductors 182. The areas 186 contact the rear ends 188 of the powercontacts 172 a. A center portion 190 of each of the electricalconductors 182 is fixedly held in the housing 170. The electricalconductors 182 each have a portion 192 which forms a deflectable springto allow the areas 186 to bias the power contacts 172 a in a forwarddirection, but which allow the power contacts 172 a to move rearwardwith the portions 192 resiliently deflecting.

FIG. 11 shows the power contacts 172 a at their forward biasedpositions. When the charger connector 144 is positioned against thecharger port 139, the power contacts 172 a will make contact with thepower contacts 152 a before the interruption detector contact 172 bmakes contact with the interruption detector contact 152 b. Furthermovement of the charger connector 144 towards the charger port 139 willcause the power contacts 172 a to be pushed inward into the housing 170;with the electrical conductors 182 resiliently deflecting at portions192. The controller 146 is configured to maintain an open electricalcircuit between the power contacts 152 a until the interruption detectorcontact 152 b makes contact with the interruption detector contact 172b. Once the controller 146 determines that the interruption detectorcontact 172 b has made contact with the interruption detector contact152 b, the controller 146 will then enable the open circuit to be closedand electricity will then be able to flow through the charger 140 intothe charger port 139 to thereby allow the battery 14 to beginrecharging.

In order to disconnect the charger connector 144 from the charger port139, the user merely needs to pull on the charger connector 144 withsufficient force to overcome the magnetic attraction of the magnets 174to the magnets 154. During the process of the charger connector 144being disconnected from the charger port 139, the interruption detectorcontact 172 b will disconnect from the interruption detector contact 152b before the power contacts 172 a disconnect from the power contacts 152a. This is provided by the biasing feature of the electrical conductors182 against the power contacts 172 a to maintain electrical connectionof the power contacts 172 a to the power contacts 152 a. Once thecontroller 146 determines that the interruption detector contact 172 bhas disconnected from the interruption detector contact 152 b, thecontroller will cause an open circuit to be created between the powercontacts 152 a. This will prevent electrical arcing as the powercontacts 172 a subsequently disconnect from the power contacts 152 a.Further pulling of the charger connector 144 away from the charger port139 will cause the power contacts 172 a to eventually disconnect fromthe power contacts 152 a.

Features as described herein may be used to provide a magnetic chargerconnector. Users with varying degrees of disability may require theirwheelchair charger connection to be well accessible and easy to handle.This may be provided by mounting a magnetic charger port into thesidewalls of the input device (handcontrol). In alternate examples, themagnetic connector may be placed on any side of a Wheelchair device likehandcontrol, advanced display or elsewhere. It may alternatively beplaced as an independent charger device on any position/location of awheelchair.

The charger connector may be magnetically aligned, attracted and held inposition by the magnetic charger port. Spring actuated contacts may beprovided for a reliable electrical connection. The mechanical design maybe used to guarantee that an interruption detector (e.g. the inhibitcontact) always releases first, before the power contacts, whileunplugging the charger connector. This may be used to signal control ofthe electronic protection circuit, which interrupts the charging currentin order to avoid electrical arcing upon disconnection. Additionally,the protection circuit may be used to prevent leakage currents betweenthe contact pins when the connector is not mated. An over-temperatureswitch-off 164 may be provided to prevent damage in case of foreseeablecontamination or handling issues. The magnet charger port (MCP) may beintegrated to the side of a wheel chair device. During connection, theuser merely has to approach with the magnet charger connector (MCC) tothe MCP approximately. Then, the magnets will cause the MCC to bemagnetically attracted towards the MCP and, therefore, positionedautomatically to the MCC onto the MCP at a predetermined location withthe electrical contacts being aligned. This type of mechanical designguarantees that the interruption detector contact always releases first,while unplugging the charger connector. This detection is important tobe able to prevent from electrical arcing upon disconnection.

In accordance with one example embodiment, an apparatus may be providedcomprising: a first electrical connector comprising a first housing, afirst plurality of electrical contacts, and a first plurality ofmagnets; and a second electrical connector comprising a second housing,a second plurality of electrical contacts, and a second plurality ofmagnets, where the second plurality of electrical contacts comprise twopower contacts and an interruption detector contact, where the powercontacts are movably mounted on the second housing, where the firstplurality of magnets is arranged on the first housing and the secondplurality of magnets is arranged on the second housing to allow thesecond electrical connector to be mounted on the first electricalconnector with the first plurality of magnets and the second pluralityof magnets providing a magnetic holding force with each other andproviding alignment of the second electrical connector with the firstelectrical connector to hold the second electrical connector against thefirst electrical connector at a predetermined position, where the firstelectrical connector has a first one of the first plurality of magnetswith magnetic poles orientated opposite from magnetic poles of a secondone of the first plurality of magnets, and where the two power contactsof the second electrical connector are configured to disconnect from thefirst plurality of electrical contacts, when the second electricalconnector is being disconnected from the first electrical connector,only after the interruption detector contact of the second plurality ofelectrical contacts disconnects from the first plurality of electricalcontacts.

The power contacts of the second electrical connector may be springbiased in a forward position on the second housing by electricalconductors in the second housing. The interruption detection contact maybe stationarily mounted on the second housing. The power contacts of thesecond electrical connector may be connected to each other by a framepiece, where the frame piece is movable in the second housing between aforward position and a rearward position. The first plurality of magnetsmay comprise at least one magnet located between two electrical contactsof the first plurality of electrical contacts. The second plurality ofmagnets may comprise at least one magnet located between the two powercontacts. The interruption detector contact may be located between atleast two magnets of the second plurality of magnets. The firstplurality of magnets may comprise at least five magnets with at leasttwo of the magnets having their poles orientated opposite to themagnetic poles of other ones of the at least five magnets. The firstelectrical connector may comprise a printed circuit board connected toat least one of the first plurality of electrical contacts, where theprinted circuit board comprises an electronic protection circuit and anover-temperature cutoff. The apparatus may comprise a wheelchair havingthe first electrical connector thereon. The first electrical connectormay be on a side of a user control of the wheelchair, where the usercontrol is configured to be used by a hand of a user while the user ison the wheelchair, and where the user control is configured to controlmovement of wheels of the wheelchair based upon electricity from abattery of a wheelchair.

In accordance with another example embodiment, a personal mobilityvehicle may be provided comprising: a frame; wheels connected to theframe; a motor on the frame and connected to the wheels; a batteryconfigured to supply electricity to the motor; a user control on theframe, where the user control is configured to be used by a hand of auser while the user is on the personal mobility vehicle, and where theuser control is configured to control movement of the wheels based uponelectricity from the battery; and a charger port on a side of the usercontrol, where the charger port comprises: a first housing; a firstplurality of electrical contacts; and a first plurality of magnets,where a first one of the first plurality of magnets comprises magneticpoles orientated opposite from magnetic poles of a second one of thefirst plurality of magnets, and where the first plurality of magnets areconfigured to allow a charger connector to be mounted on the chargerport with the first plurality of magnets and a second plurality ofmagnets on the charger connector providing a magnetic holding force witheach other and providing alignment of the charger connector with thecharger port to hold the charger connector against the first electricalconnector at a predetermined position.

The personal mobility vehicle may further comprise a battery chargingcord, where the battery charging cord comprises a first end having thecharger connector and a second end having a plug configured to beplugged into an electrical outlet. The first plurality of magnets maycomprise at least one magnet located between two electrical powercontacts of the first plurality of electrical contacts. The chargerconnector may comprise a second housing, a second plurality ofelectrical contacts, and a second plurality of magnets, where the secondplurality of electrical contacts comprise two power contacts and aninterruption detector contact, where the power contacts are movablymounted on the second housing, where the two power contacts of thesecond electrical connector are configured to disconnect from the firstplurality of electrical contacts, when the second electrical connectoris being disconnected from the first electrical connector, only afterthe interruption detector contact of the second plurality of electricalcontacts disconnects from the first plurality of electrical contacts.The interruption detection contact may be stationarily mounted on thesecond housing. The first plurality of magnets may comprise at leastfive magnets with at least two of the magnets having their polesorientated opposite to the magnetic poles of other ones of the at leastfive magnets. The charger port may comprise a printed circuit boardconnected to at least one of the first plurality of electrical contacts,where the printed circuit board comprises an electronic protectioncircuit and an over-temperature cutoff.

In accordance with another example embodiment, a charger connector maybe provided comprising: a housing; a plurality of electrical contacts onthe housing; and a plurality of magnets on the housing, where theplurality of electrical contacts comprise two power contacts and aninterruption detector contact, where the power contacts are movablymounted on the second housing, where the two power contacts areconfigured to disconnect from power electrical contacts of a chargerport, when the charger connector is being disconnected from the chargerport, only after the interruption detector contact disconnects from anelectrical contact of the charger port, where the plurality of magnetscomprise a first one of the plurality of magnets having magnetic polesorientated opposite from magnetic poles of a second one of the pluralityof magnets, and where the plurality of magnets are configured to allowthe charger connector to be mounted on the charger port with theplurality of magnets and a plurality of magnets on the charger portproviding a magnetic holding force with each other and providingalignment of the charger connector with the charger port to hold thecharger connector against the first electrical connector at apredetermined position.

It should be understood that the foregoing description is onlyillustrative of the invention. Various alternatives and modificationscan be devised by those skilled in the art without departing from theinvention. Accordingly, the invention is intended to embrace all suchalternatives, modifications and variances which fall within the scope ofthe appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: a first electricalconnector comprising a first housing, a first plurality of electricalcontacts, and first magnets, where a first one of the first magnets hasmagnetic poles orientated opposite relative to magnetic poles of asecond one of the first magnets; and a second electrical connectorcomprising a second housing, a second plurality of electrical contacts,and second magnets, where the second plurality of electrical contactscomprise two power contacts and an interruption detector contact, wherethe power contacts are movably mounted on the second housing, where thefirst magnets are arranged on the first housing and the second magnetsare arranged on the second housing to allow the second electricalconnector to be mounted on the first electrical connector with the firstmagnets and the second magnets providing a magnetic holding forcedirectly with each other and providing alignment of the secondelectrical connector with the first electrical connector to hold thesecond electrical connector against the first electrical connector at apredetermined position, and where the two power contacts of the secondelectrical connector are configured to disconnect from the firstplurality of electrical contacts, when the second electrical connectoris being disconnected from the first electrical connector, only afterthe interruption detector contact of the second plurality of electricalcontacts disconnects from the first plurality of electrical contacts. 2.The apparatus as in claim 1 where the power contacts of the secondelectrical connector are spring biased in a forward position on thesecond housing by electrical conductors in the second housing.
 3. Theapparatus as in claim 2 where the interruption detection contact isstationarily mounted on the second housing.
 4. The apparatus as in claim3 where the power contacts of the second electrical connector areconnected to each other by a frame piece, where the frame piece ismovable in the second housing between a forward position and a rearwardposition.
 5. The apparatus as in claim 1 where the first magnetscomprise at least one of the first magnets located between twoelectrical contacts of the first plurality of electrical contacts. 6.The apparatus as in claim 5 where the second magnets comprise at leastone of the second magnets located between the two power contacts.
 7. Theapparatus as in claim 6 where the interruption detector contact islocated between at least two of the second magnets.
 8. The apparatus asin claim 1 where the first magnets comprises at least five of the firstmagnets, where at least two of the five magnets have their magneticpoles orientated opposite to the magnetic poles of other ones of thefive magnets.
 9. The apparatus as in claim 1 where the first electricalconnector comprise a printed circuit board connected to at least one ofthe first plurality of electrical contacts, where the printed circuitboard comprises an electronic protection circuit and an over-temperaturecutoff.
 10. The apparatus as in claim 1 where the apparatus comprises awheelchair having the first electrical connector thereon.
 11. Theapparatus as in claim 10 where the first electrical connector is on aside of a user control of the wheelchair, where the user control isconfigured to be used by a hand of a user while the user is on thewheelchair, and where the user control is configured to control movementof wheels of the wheelchair based upon electricity from a battery of awheelchair.
 12. A personal mobility vehicle comprising: a frame; wheelsconnected to the frame; a motor on the frame and connected to thewheels; a battery configured to supply electricity to the motor; a usercontrol on the frame, where the user control is configured to be used bya hand of a user while the user is on the personal mobility vehicle, andwhere the user control is configured to control movement of the wheelsbased upon electricity from the battery; and a charger port on a side ofthe user control, where the charger port comprises: a first housing; afirst plurality of electrical contacts; and a first plurality ofmagnets, where a first one of the first plurality of magnets comprisesmagnetic poles orientated opposite from magnetic poles of a second oneof the first plurality of magnets, and where the first plurality ofmagnets are configured to allow a charger connector to be mounted on thecharger port with the first plurality of magnets and a second pluralityof magnets on the charger connector providing a magnetic holding forcewith dircctly each other and providing alignment of the chargerconnector with the charger port to hold the charger connector againstthe charger port at a predetermined position.
 13. The personal mobilityvehicle as in claim 12, further comprising a battery charging cord,where the battery charging cord comprises a first end having the chargerconnector and a second end having a plug configured to be plugged intoan electrical outlet.
 14. The personal mobility vehicle as in claim 13where the first plurality of magnets comprise at least one magnetlocated between two electrical power contacts of the first plurality ofelectrical contacts.
 15. The personal mobility vehicle as in claim 13further comprising the charger connector, where the charger connectorcomprises a second housing, a second plurality of electrical contacts,and a second plurality of magnets, where the second plurality ofelectrical contacts comprise two power contacts and an interruptiondetector contact, where the power contacts are movably mounted on thesecond housing, where the two power contacts of the second electricalconnector are configured to disconnect from the first plurality ofelectrical contacts, when the second electrical connector is beingdisconnected from the first electrical connector, only after theinterruption detector contact of the second plurality of electricalcontacts disconnects from the first plurality of electrical contacts.16. The personal mobility vehicle as in claim 15 where the interruptiondetection contact is stationarily mounted on the second housing.
 17. Thepersonal mobility vehicle as in claim 12 where the first plurality ofmagnets comprises at least five magnets with at least two of the magnetshaving their poles orientated opposite to the magnetic poles of otherones of the at least five magnets.
 18. The personal mobility vehicle asin claim 12 where the charger port comprises a printed circuit boardconnected to at least one of the first plurality of electrical contacts,where the printed circuit board comprises an electronic protectioncircuit and an over-temperature cutoff.
 19. A charger connectorcomprising: a housing; a plurality of electrical contacts on thehousing; and a plurality of magnets on the housing, where the pluralityof electrical contacts comprise two power contacts and an interruptiondetector contact, where the power contacts are movably mounted on thehousing, where the two power contacts are configured to disconnect frompower electrical contacts of a charger port, when the charger connectoris being disconnected from the charger port, only after the interruptiondetector contact disconnects from an electrical contact of the chargerport, where the plurality of magnets comprise a first one of theplurality of magnets having magnetic poles orientated opposite frommagnetic poles of a second one of the plurality of magnets, and wherethe plurality of magnets are configured to allow the charger connectorto be mounted on the charger port with the plurality of magnets and aplurality of magnets on the charger port providing a magnetic holdingforce directly with each other and providing alignment of the chargerconnector with the charger port to hold the charger connector againstthe charger port at a predetermined position.
 20. An apparatuscomprising: the charger connector as in claim 19; and a personalmobility vehicle comprising: a frame; wheels connected to the frame; amotor on the frame and connected to the wheels; a battery configured tosupply electricity to the motor; a user control on the frame, where theuser control is configured to be used by a hand of a user while the useris on the personal mobility vehicle, and where the user control isconfigured to control movement of the wheels based upon electricity fromthe battery; and the charger port on a side of the user control, wherethe charger connector is configured to be removably connected to thecharger port, where the charger port comprises: a first housing; a firstplurality of electrical contacts; and a first plurality of firstmagnets, where a first one of the first plurality of first magnetscomprises magnetic poles orientated opposite from magnetic poles of asecond one of the first plurality of first magnets, and where the firstplurality of first magnets are configured to allow the charger connectorto be mounted on the charger port with the first plurality of firstmagnets and the plurality of magnets on the charger connector providinga magnetic holding force with each other and providing alignment of thecharger connector with the charger port to hold the charger connectoragainst the charger port at a predetermined position.